Landlord Responsibilities Checklist
Protect your rental business from fines up to £40,000 and rent repayment orders. This comprehensive landlord responsibilities checklist ensures you meet every requirement from property setup to tenancy end.
- Complete Compliance Roadmap
- Covers All 15 Compliance Areas
- Updated for 1 May 2026 Changes
- Penalty Warnings Included
What's Inside the Landlord Responsibilities Checklist
A complete compliance framework covering every stage of the landlord lifecycle, from property preparation to tenancy termination.
- Before letting: Licensing (HMO/selective), property standards, safety checks
- Property preparation: Gas, electrical, EPC, smoke alarms
- Marketing requirements: Non-discrimination, rental bidding ban, accurate property descriptions
- Tenant selection: Referencing, right to rent checks
- Financial matters: Deposit caps, rent in advance limits
- Tenancy agreements: Written terms, mandatory documentation
- Ongoing responsibilities: Repairs, safety checks, inspections
- Rent increases: Section 13 procedures, tribunal processes
- Pet requests: Response timeframes, reasonable refusal grounds
- Tenant complaints: Handling procedures, ombudsman compliance
- Ending tenancy: Notice requirements, Section 8 grounds
- Deposit return: Inspection, deduction procedures, timelines
- Prohibited actions: Clear warnings on illegal practices
- Record keeping: Essential documents, retention periods
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES CHECKLIST
Renters' Rights Act 2025
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This checklist has been prepared with care in accordance with the Renters' Rights Act 2025. However, this document is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Whilst reasonable care has been taken in its preparation, no responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. Landlords should seek independent legal advice to ensure compliance with all legal obligations.
BEFORE LETTING A PROPERTY
1. REGISTRATION AND MEMBERSHIP
☐ Register on the Private Rented Sector Database
- Register yourself as a landlord
- Register each property you intend to let
- Obtain unique identifier for landlord
- Obtain unique identifier for each property
- Keep registration active and up to date
- Deadline: Must be completed before marketing property
☐ Join an Approved Landlord Redress Scheme
- Select an approved ombudsman scheme
- Complete membership application
- Pay membership fee
- Display membership details to tenants
- Maintain active membership throughout tenancy
- Penalty for non-compliance: Up to £7,000 (initial) or £40,000 (repeat)
2. PROPERTY STANDARDS
☐ Ensure Property Meets Decent Homes Standard
- Property is free from serious hazards
- Property is in a reasonable state of repair
- Has reasonably modern facilities and services
- Provides reasonable thermal comfort
- Action: Commission inspection if unsure
☐ Gas Safety
- Annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Obtain Gas Safety Certificate
- Provide copy to tenant within 28 days of check or before tenancy starts
- Keep records for at least 2 years
☐ Electrical Safety
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years
- Obtain EICR from qualified electrician
- Provide copy to tenant before tenancy starts
- Remedy any issues identified
☐ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Valid EPC in place (less than 10 years old)
- Minimum rating of E (unless exempt)
- Provide copy to tenant before tenancy starts
- Display rating in property advertisements
Non-Compliance Costs Landlords Thousands in Penalties
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces strict enforcement with substantial fines for landlords who fail to meet legal obligations. One missed requirement can trigger multiple penalties.
What's at Stake:
The Financial Risk of Non-Compliance
£7,000 for initial breaches, £40,000 for serious or repeated violations
Up to 24 months of rent repayment orders
Criminal prosecution for harassment or illegal eviction
Loss of possession rights when mandatory documents not provided
Download Your Checklist
Review Your Compliance Status
Take Action on Outstanding Items
Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Don't Risk £40,000 Fines for Missing a Compliance Requirement
Download the complete landlord responsibilities checklist and protect yourself from penalties, rent repayment orders, and criminal prosecution under the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions
Phase 1 requirements take effect on 1 May 2026: assured periodic tenancies, Section 21 abolition, discrimination protections, and rental bidding bans. Phase 2 (Private Rented Sector Database and Ombudsman) launches from late 2026. Requirements like gas safety, electrical safety, and deposit protection are already in force.
The database launches in Phase 2 (late 2026) with regional rollout dates to be confirmed. Once operational, failure to register will result in £7,000-£40,000 fines and prevent you from marketing properties or using most possession grounds. Registration will be mandatory before letting.
No. From 1 May 2026, assured shorthold tenancies are abolished. All new tenancies must be assured periodic tenancies, and existing ASTs automatically convert to APTs on that date. You'll need compliant APT agreements for new tenancies.
The highest-risk areas are: not protecting deposits correctly (1-3x deposit penalties), missing safety certificates (£7,000 fines + loss of possession rights), discriminating against families or benefit recipients (£7,000 per breach from 1 May 2026), and attempting illegal eviction (up to 2 years imprisonment). Database registration penalties apply once Phase 2 launches.
Review compliance annually at minimum, plus when starting new tenancies, carrying out major works, or when regulations change. Key ongoing requirements: annual gas safety checks, five-yearly electrical inspections, and maintaining all safety equipment functionality. Database registration becomes ongoing once Phase 2 launches.